Rory McIlroy praised after putting Northern Ireland back on the sporting map

Politicians from all sides of the community in Northern Ireland have hailed Rory McIlroy’s latest Major success.

The 23-year-old from Hollywood in County Down lifted the USPGA title on Sunday night.

His eight shot victory at Kiawah Island means 2011 US Open champion McIlroy is the youngest golfer ever to win two majors.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness led the praise for the Ulsterman, now back on top of the world rankings.

Robinson said, “After winning his first major golf title last year, Rory McIlroy has now become the first golfer from Northern Ireland to win a second major title.

“His golfing talent knows no bounds and who knows what he may go on to achieve in his sporting career.

“He is a wonderful ambassador for Northern Ireland and his sport and I congratulate him on this magnificent victory.”

Sinn Fein’s deputy First Minister McGuinness added, “I can only praise Rory McIlroy for his tremendous win at Kiawah Island.

“He has bounced back from what was a somewhat indifferent season by his own high standards with an amazing victory in the last of the 2012 majors and this is the sign of a true champion.”

Northern Ireland Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín described McIlroy’s triumph as ‘the crowning moment in a stunning sporting fortnight’ after boxers and rowers from Ulster won medals for Britain and Ireland at the Olympics.’